Councillors say spur line to MRU would be too expensive, disruptive

A spur line from the west LRT to Mount Royal University will never see the light of day, according to two members of Calgary city council.

The transportation committee was told the light-rail connection, which is among several options being discussed to improve access to MRU, is feasible but councillors Shane Keating and Brian Pincott say it would be too expensive and too disruptive.

Pincott said he’d like to know why his motion to include an underground connection for the spur line in 2008, which was given a green light by the city, was never included when the west LRT was built.

“It sounded like it was straight council direction to, when you plan the west, to make sure at this one location you build in the ability to build a spur line. That wasn’t done, so where it went wrong is another question,” Pincott said.

“It was great planning at the time, somehow it didn’t get to where it was supposed to; now it’s going to be extremely expensive and disruptive to do.”

Another option being considered is an above ground street car – or street level LRT line – that could run along 37 Street towards the university.

Pincott and Keating said if that happens, it would likely be at least two decades away.